Meet Humaria Mushtaq

A trailblazer in the world of motorsports, redefining what a racer looks like. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, she is their first and only female professional racer. From a young age itself she has been enamoured by the idea of being behind the wheel, and she definately has a need for speed. Now, she is a national champion, and not only the first Indian, but also the first South-Asian woman to compete in the British Endurace Racing Championship (BEC). She is a woman with a vision and a dream. Over to her. 

ELLE: You grew up in Kashmir, which is quite different from the world of motorsports. How did your childhood shape your passion for racing?

Humaira Mushtaq (HM): Growing up in Jammu and Kashmir, motorsport was hardly something anyone talked about. But I was drawn to speed from a very young age. I remember watching races on TV and feeling like I belonged on those tracks. When I was four, my dad noticed my fascination and got me a custom-made go-kart. That was the starting point. Even though we lived in a traditional community, my parents encouraged me to follow my passion, and that is what gave me the courage to dream big.

ELLE: Did you face any challenges or resistance from your family or society when you decided to pursue racing?

(HM): Oh, absolutely. Racing is not exactly what people expect from a girl in a traditional  familly given the place i came from. There was skepticism—why would a girl want to race? racing is for men? have you even seen a female F1 racer? etc And, of course, there were stereotypical societal pressure. My dad was my biggest supporter, and when he passed away just few days before my 14th birthday , it was even harder. But my mom stepped in, supported me unconditionally, and made sure I did not have to give up on my dream. Without her, I would not be here today.

ELLE: As one of the first female professional racing drivers from Jammu and Kashmir, what challenges did you face when starting in a male-dominated sport?

(HM): It was tough. Financial challenges aside, racing is still seen as a male-dominated sport, so I had to prove myself on multiple levels. Being the only woman in most events added to the pressure because I felt like I was representing so much more than just myself. There were doubts about whether I could keep up with the men, but I worked hard to let my performance do the talking.

ELLE: How did you earn the respect of your male competitors in the racing world?

(HM): It was not easy, but respect in motorsport comes from what you do on the track. I focused on being the best I could be, learning every technical skill, and pushing myself in every race. Once they saw my dedication and my results, things changed. They began to see me as a competitor first and a woman second.

ELLE: What was it like to become the first Indian national to compete in the British Endurance Racing Championship?

(HM): It was surreal. Carrying the Indian flag in an international event was an overwhelming feeling. There was a lot of responsibility to represent my country and show that we belong on the global stage. Competing there was not just about racing; it was about proving that someone from a small town with a big dream could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.

ELLE: Winning prestigious awards like the FICCI FLO Trailblazer Award and the Mission Shakti Awar ard and the women's commission of india  d is a huge achievement. How did it feel, and how did they impact your career?

(HM):Winning those awards was a very proud moment for me. They are not just personal milestones; they highlight the journey I have been through and the barriers I’ve had to break. They also brought more visibility to my career, which helped in getting sponsorships and creating a platform to inspire others.

ELLE: How do you think these awards help change the perception of women in motorsports?

(HM):I think they send a powerful message. When people see a woman receiving recognition in motorsport, it challenges stereotypes. It shows young girls that they can dream beyond societal expectations. And it encourages the industry to support and invest in more female talent.

ELLE: What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for women in motorsports today?

(HM): The challenges are definitely there—financial constraints, lack of representation, and societal biases. But at the same time, the opportunities are growing. There is more awareness now, and programs promoting diversity are coming up, which is indeed important for women in motorsport, and I believe the doors are opening wider than ever before.

ELLE: What advice would you give to young girls who dream of becoming racing drivers?

(HM): I would say, do not let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. If you are passionate about racing, go for it, and do not be afraid of the challenges. It will not be easy, but if you stay focused and surround yourself with people who believe in you, you will get there. Just remember, it is your journey, and it is worth it.

ELLE: What kind of legacy do you want to leave in motorsports? How do you want to be remembered?

(HM): I want to be remembered as someone who did not just race but also made a difference. anything is possible as long as you are determined. I want to inspire more women to step out of the comfort zones and dare to dream big. If my journey can inspire any little girl to chase her dreams, I would consider that a legacy worth leaving behind.